Drake on his friend Johnny Manziel: ‘He’s a pure soul’

COLLEGE STATION – Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel didn’t attend Texas A&M’s weekly press conference (as expected at this point) on Tuesday, but there was plenty of Manziel chat on ESPN today. Thanks to one of his idols, rapper Drake, making the rounds at ESPN headquarters.

A few highlights from the interviews with Drake, 26, who has become fast friends with the Kerrville Kid in the past year:

* Drake on his role as a mentor for Manziel: “Despite what some people report, I actually consider myself a positive reinforcement in his life. I try to keep him on track. I know he has a bright future and he’s displaying it right, especially in his last two performances.”

* On misconceptions concerning Manziel: “He’s a great guy and he’s got the best intentions. He does nothing with malicious intent. I love him to death. We’ve gone from sort of like I’m a fan of his and he’s a fan of mine to genuine friends. And I think we’ll be friends for a long time.”

* On Manziel visiting Drake in his hometown of Toronto: “He is a pure soul. … He’s not a wild guy. He’s passionate about music and he’s passionate about football. In his free time when he (wasn’t) playing football, he chose to come see me.”

* And, finally something I never thought I’d write when simply describing Manziel in the summer of 2012 as in a tight fight for starting quarterback with Jameill Showers (from Drake): “For me it’s not about hanging out and looking cool because I know Johnny Manziel. I care about this guy.”